Curator Quest Exhibit Guide
Museum of Mathematical Wonders • Student Curator Series
Curator Quest Exhibit Guide
Fractions & Decimals Gallery
Project Planning Packet
Lead Curator(s):
Exhibit Title:
Date:
Curator Mission: Your team will engineer an interactive museum exhibit proving how fractions and decimals connect, compare, or describe our physical world. Every station must feature hands-on interaction, visual evidence, and a clear docent presentation.
1 Phase 1: Exhibit Track & Mathematical Big Idea
Select 1 Exhibition Track
Equivalent Vault
Proving fractions and decimals express the identical value in different forms (e.g., \( \frac{3}{4} = 0.75 \)).
Magnitude Matchup
Comparing and ordering mixed fractions and decimals on a unified scale (e.g., benchmark numbers 0, 0.5, 1).
Real-World Lab
Applying decimals & fractions in architecture, cooking, sports timing, currency, or scientific measurement.
Target Values Spotlighted in Exhibit:
e.g., \(\frac{2}{5} \leftrightarrow 0.4\) or \(\frac{7}{8} \leftrightarrow 0.875\):
Central Guiding Question for Visitors:
What mathematical puzzle or mystery will guests solve?
2 Phase 2: Visual Evidence & Representation Blueprint
Exhibit Display Model
Choose the primary mathematical visual models your exhibit display will showcase (check all that apply):
Dual Number Line 100-Grid / Tenths Strip Area / Tape Diagram Balance / Scale Model
Visual Blueprint & Diagram Plan: Draft your proof showing equivalencies, divisions, or comparisons
[BLUEPRINT SKETCH AREA - DIAGRAM WITH LABELS, PARTITIONS & VALUES] SCALE: 1:1
LABEL BENCHMARKS (0, 0.25, 0.5, 0.75, 1.0)
Mathematical Proof Statement: Why does this model prove these values are equal or accurately compared?
Curator Planning Guide • Section 1 of 3 Page 1 • Concept & Proof
Engineering the Visitor Experience
Interactive Station & Museum Placard
Phase 3 & 4
3 Station Interactive Architecture
Visitor Engagement Element
Great museum exhibits are interactive! What hands-on action will guests perform to discover the math?
Slider / Balance Scale Visitors slide or weigh pieces to balance equivalents.
Overlay / Window Reveal Transparent grids overlay fractions onto decimals.
Real-World Sorting Bin Physical items to measure, sort, or order by size.
Station Tabletop Layout (Bird's Eye or Front View):
[SKETCH PLACEMENT OF PLACARD, TACTILE MANIPULATIVES, CHALLENGE CARDS]
TABLE SURFACE (DIMENSIONS: 36" × 24")
Materials & Manipulatives:
Pro Curator Tip: Keep physical pieces tethered or stored in labeled specimen trays for easy resets!
4 Official Museum Placard & Visitor Challenge Draft
Wall Label Draft
Gallery Placard Display (Drafting Area)
EXHIBIT NO. MMW-2026-FD
Exhibit Title & Subtitle:
Curator Text (Write 3-4 clear sentences explaining the mathematical concept to a visiting public):
"Try It Yourself!" Visitor Prompt:
What math question will you ask guests to solve at your table?
Docent Secret Key & Hint Card:
The exact mathematical solution and a scaffolded hint for struggling visitors.
Curator Planning Guide • Section 2 of 3 Page 2 • Interactive & Placard
Presentation & Quality Assessment
Docent Tour Script & Curator Rubric
Phase 5 & 6
5 Docent Spoken Presentation Guide (60-Second Walkthrough)
Speaking Rehearsal
1. The Hook (10s): Welcome & Intrigued Observation "Welcome to our station! Did you know that..."
2. The Math Bridge (30s): Guiding Visitors Through the Model Explain how fraction & decimal forms connect
3. The Hands-On Call to Action (20s): Prompting the Visitor "Now try moving this slider/card to see what happens when..."
Anticipated Visitor Question:
What if someone asks:
Docent Mathematical Reply:
Our evidence-based answer:
6 Exhibition Readiness Rubric & Curator Self-Check
Evaluation Criteria
| Criterion | Exemplary Curator (4 pts) | Proficient Docent (3 pts) | Score / Notes |
|---|
| 1. Mathematical Accuracy & Proof | All equivalent fraction-decimal pairs and comparisons are precisely calculated and visually verified. | Equivalents are correct with minor labeling omissions; mathematical connection is visible. | ____ / 4 |
| 2. Interactive Engagement | Station provides purposeful tactile manipulation that directly reveals the mathematical concept. | Visitors interact with physical materials, though connection to the concept is passive. | ____ / 4 |
| 3. Placard & Visual Design | Exquisite craftsmanship; professional placard text; clear diagrams with units and benchmarks. | Legible display with clear title and placard; minor diagram alignment or scale issues. | ____ / 4 |
| 4. Docent Spoken Tour | Confident, articulate explanation; invites visitor questions and provides accurate math reasoning. | Explains station clearly; guides visitor through the challenge with minimal hesitation. | ____ / 4 |
Final Pre-Opening Gallery Inspection (All must be checked before museum opens):
Placard is mounted and readable from 3 feet away All interactive manipulative pieces are present & reset Challenge problem card has solution securely hidden Both docents have rehearsed their 60-second tour aloud
Chief Curator (Teacher) Approval:
Total Score: / 16
Curator Planning Guide • Section 3 of 3 Page 3 • Presentation & Rubric
